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Stromanthe · Stromanthe thalia

Why are my Stromanthe leaves curling?

Stromanthe leaves curl when they are trying to conserve moisture because the air is too dry or the soil is parched. Check your humidity levels and soil moisture first to see if your plant is thirsty.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

curling leaves on a plant
Photo: Freshclover, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil to see if it is dry.
  2. Check the air humidity levels in your room.
  3. Inspect the leaves for any signs of spider mites.

Likely causes

  1. Low Humidity

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaf edges start to roll inward and may feel crisp or brittle to the touch. This is the most common reaction to dry indoor air.

    What to do: Place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate. You can also run a humidifier nearby to keep the air moisture above 50 percent.

  2. Underwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The entire plant looks limp and the leaves curl tightly as the soil pulls away from the sides of the pot. The soil will feel completely dry through the top 2 inches.

    What to do: Water your plant thoroughly until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot. Ensure you are watering every 5 to 10 days when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your stromanthe

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal for Stromanthe to curl leaves slightly at night as part of their natural movement. Worry only if the leaves stay curled during the day.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture and keep the plant away from heating vents or drafts.

Stromanthe: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your stromanthe and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Do Stromanthe leaves curl when they are cold?
Yes, cold drafts can cause stress that leads to curling. Keep your plant away from air conditioning vents or drafty windows.
Should I mist my Stromanthe to stop curling?
Misting provides only temporary relief and does not significantly raise humidity. A humidifier or pebble tray is much more effective.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Stromanthe

Back to the Stromanthe guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.